Hundreds of Children Hospitalized After Being Improperly Medicated at Daycare
In a single year, 235 children in Texas were hospitalized due to poisonings caused by medications or drugs while in daycare. These incidents are not only terrifying, they’re often entirely preventable.
That’s why the State of Texas has established strict rules that all licensed childcare centers must follow regarding the administration of medication to children.
Medication Rules Texas Daycares Are Required to Follow
According to Texas Health and Human Services, daycares must get a parent’s permission before administering any medication, including over-the-counter items like Tylenol and prescription medications.
There are only three ways a daycare can legally get this permission from a parent:
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Written Authorization: You can provide a signed and dated note stating that the daycare has permission to give your child the medication.
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Electronic Consent: Many daycares now accept secure digital authorizations, such as DocuSign or PDF forms.
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Verbal Permission (Emergencies Only): In urgent situations, you can give verbal consent over the phone, but this is only valid for a single dose and should be documented immediately.
It’s important to note that written or electronic permissions are only valid for one year. If your child needs medication regularly, the daycare is responsible for keeping the authorization current.
When Daycares Break the Rules, Children Can Suffer
If a daycare gives your child medication without your knowledge or approval, it can quickly become dangerous. Even something as seemingly harmless as Tylenol can cause an allergic reaction.
In severe cases, improperly administered medication can lead to:
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Anaphylactic shock
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Seizures
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Hospitalization
- Death
This is why daycares must have strict protocols and ensure that staff are properly trained on these safety rules.
Warning Signs That Your Child May Have Been Given Medication Without Your Consent
It’s not always easy to tell if your child has been medicated behind your back. However, parents should stay alert to any sudden behavioral or physical changes.
Common warning signs may include:
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Unusual sleepiness or changes in sleep patterns
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Nightmares or disturbed sleep
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Trouble focusing or behavioral shifts
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Increased anxiety or sudden outbursts
If your child starts showing any of these symptoms without explanation, it’s worth digging deeper, especially if you’ve noticed changes after daycare pick-up.
What to Do If You Suspect Unauthorized Medication
If you believe your child has been given medication without your permission, acting quickly can make all the difference.
Here are the steps we recommend:
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Get Medical Help: If your child is having a reaction or acting strangely, don’t wait—get medical attention right away.
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Collect Documentation: Save any medical records, notes from doctors, and communication from the daycare.
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Request an Incident Report: Ask the daycare to provide a written account of what happened. This is your right as a parent.
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Take Notes: Write down everything you remember, including dates, symptoms, and conversations. These details matter.
Our Team Is Here for You
If you’re going through this right now, you don’t have to handle it alone. We know how scary and overwhelming it can feel when your child is put at risk by the very people who are supposed to protect them.
At The Button Law Firm, we’re here to listen, guide you through your options, and help hold the daycare accountable for what happened. We’ve helped families across Texas navigate situations just like this, and we’re ready to stand by your side.
You can reach out to us by calling (214) 699-4409, emailing intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or filling out our secure contact form. We’re here to help your family move forward.
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